As holiday travel ramps up, a fast-moving stomach bug is joining the season. CBS News reports that a highly contagious norovirus is spreading across the U.S. ahead of the holidays, a reminder to double down on handwashing, careful food handling, and staying home when sick to curb outbreaks CBS News: Highly contagious norovirus spreading across the U.S. ahead of holidays.
What to do now
- Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water (sanitizers are less effective against norovirus)
- Disinfect high-touch surfaces, especially in shared kitchens and bathrooms
- If ill, avoid preparing food for others and wait 48 hours after symptoms resolve before resuming normal activities
Families are also navigating screen time as kids head into winter break. Experts featured by CBS News outlined practical steps for healthier teen phone and social media habits—think device-free zones at dinner, co-created family tech agreements, modeling good behavior, and using built-in tools to manage app time CBS News: How parents can help teens develop healthy social media and phone habits.
Looking to reset routines for the new year? Author James Clear told CBS News that small, consistent changes can compound into big results—a useful frame for realistic, sustainable resolutions as 2026 goals take shape CBS News: Author James Clear shares how small changes can transform your life.
Abroad, German officials are bracing for combustible New Year’s Eve celebrations. The Economist examines why parts of major cities can feel like “war zones” on Dec. 31—citing heavy fireworks use and clashes that strain emergency services—and how authorities are trying to prepare and respond The Economist: Why German cities feel like war zones on New Year’s Eve.
Bottom line: Keep gatherings safer with basic hygiene steps, set clear and humane house rules for screens, and pick one or two micro-habits to start now—not January 1. Meanwhile, watch for updates on European cities’ New Year’s policing plans as 2025 winds down.
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